Head north instead of south from the UK and you’ll find magnificent cities, tranquil fjords, unforgettable scenery and even some lovely beaches

Most Britons in search of a close-to-home cruise head for the sun and sights of the Mediterranean. But there is a region just as easily accessible, equally rich in history and culture, and similarly blessed with sunny weather during the summer months.

Head north instead of south from the UK and you’ll find magnificent cities, tranquil fjords, unforgettable scenery and even some lovely beaches.

And you’ll have the added satisfaction of knowing you’re taking a path less travelled , seeing sights and experiencing cultures still relatively undiscovered.

Amsterdam
The world’s largest collections of Rembrandts, Anne Frank’s house, a superb museum dedicated to Van Gogh, lively cafes and restaurants, the notorious Red Light district and, of course, canals. It could only be Amsterdam.

Antwerp
Antwerp is a port city on Belgium’s River Scheldt, with history dating to the Middle Ages. In its center, the centuries-old Diamond District houses thousands of diamond traders, cutters and polishers. Antwerp’s Flemish Renaissance architecture is typified by the Grote Markt, a central square in the old town. At the 17th-century Rubens House, period rooms display works by the Flemish Baroque painter Peter Paul Rubens.

Bergen
Nestling among the magnificent mountains strung along Norway’s western coastline, Bergen is a gateway to Fjordland. From wooden Hansa houses, wooden stave churches and medieval fortresses where Norwegian monarchs were once crowned, to waterfalls, mountains and fjords, Bergen is a visual delight. It is easily walkable and has a lively fish market and an even better general market along the harbourfront as well as many attractive bars and cafes. To enjoy the best views of this picturesque city, take the 1,0050ft funicular railway to the top of Mount Fløyen, which overlooks both Bergen and the surrounding region.

Bremerhaven, Germany
The River Weser and the North Sea waters meet at this, the largest city on the German North Sea coast. The tourist area of Havenwelten (Harbor Worlds) offers attractions such as the Climate House Bremerhaven 8° East, the National German Maritime Museum, and the Zoo at the Sea. And on the bank of the Geeste River you will find the Historical Museum and the Wencke-Dock, Germany’s oldest dry dock.

Brest, France
This port city in Brittany is known for its rich maritime history and naval base. At the mouth of the Penfeld, overlooking the harbour, is the National Navy Museum, housed in the medieval Château de Brest. Across the river stands Tour Tanguy, a medieval tower. Other attractions include the National Botanical Conservatory and the Océanopolis aquarium.

Copenhagen
Denmark’s capital is arguably one of the world’s best-loved cities, and certainly the liveliest of all the Scandinavian capitals. It is a gracious and comfortable place, with a decidedly friendly, hospitable and fun-loving atmosphere. Tidy, narrow streets are lined with tempting restaurants and cafes, and the pedestrian-only Stroget abounds with stylish shops. The spirited Copenhageners are imaginative and unconventional and exude a “do-what-you-want” philosophy that embraces and respects almost all aspects of life.

Dunkirk, France
Dunkirk is one of the most famous port towns in Europe, steeped in history and synonymous for British tourists with the famous evacuation in the Second World War. The Dunkirk 1940 Museum documents the evacuation, and other attractions include the waterside Port Museum and the LAAC contemporary art museum with a sculpture garden.

Geiranger
It’s no secret how the tiny hamlet of Geiranger maintains its picturesque beauty – the only way to reach it comfortably is by ship! Isolated in the narrow valley at the tip of Norway’s most picturesque fjord, the village overlooks panoramic views over cascading waterfalls, sheer cliffs, glaciers and lakes.Breathtaking waterfalls with names like ‘The Seven Sisters’ and ‘The Suitor’ course down steep, opposing cliffs which loom over the deep, narrow waterway. Geiranger is a popular starting point for spectacular mountain rides full of hairpin turns, stunning scenery and splendid views.

Ghent
Port of call for cruises and gateway to some of Europe’s most thrill-packed regions. Brimming with history, tradition and culture, Ghent offers the visitor numerous sights and attractions, fine shopping malls and art galleries, beautiful crafts and an exquisite cuisine. Within easy reach of other famous tourist destinations such as Brussels, Waterloo, Bruges, Antwerp, Bastogne, Ypres …!

Honfleur, France
Packed with cultural sights, and with more than 1,000 years of history, ports don’;t come much orettier than Honfleur. The tiny town with its beautiful harbour, cobbled alleys and half-timbered house enchants thousands of visitors. The famous beach-battlefields of the WW2 Normandy landings are close by.

Hellesylt
Commanding one end of Geirangerfjord, Hellesylt overlooks its mighty waterfall and fjord’s cliff walls, which fall sheer to Europe’s deepest lake, with deceptively clear waters that plunge to a depth of nearly 2,000 feet.

Helsinki
Helsinki, capital of Finland and “Daughter of the Baltic,” was founded in 1550 and became the capital in 1812. This modern, lively city of approximately a half million inhabitants somehow preserves the flavour and traditions of a 19th Century seafaring town, brimming with parks, museums and remarkable examples of modern Finnish architecture. It is beautifully set on a peninsula surrounded by islands and is protected by fortifications at Suomenlinna. Attractions include the harbour, market square and many spacious parks.

Olden
The peaceful village of Olden has the perfect Fjordland cruise setting – nestling at the southern end of one branch of the beautiful Nordfjord and at the entrance to the gorgeous Oldedalen Valley.
A lake in the valley has been turned a rich, deep green by the river pouring down the mountains from the vast, million-years-old Briksdal Glacier. Giant waterfalls also cascade down making the views even more spectacular as you travel through the valley to the foot of the glacier.
Other tours head overland to the inner Nordfjord area with its wind-blown rocks, towering mountains and verdant valleys. Also in the area are folk and glacier museums, a skiing centre on the glacier plateau and northern Europes deepest lake – Hornindalsvatnet.

Stavanger
Step back into the days of old in Scandinavia, with its narrow lanes lined with wooden houses, imposing cathedral and Iron Age farms.
The gateway to Norway’s spectacularly scenic fjordland, Stavanger is also a town with its own rich heritage as it is regarded as the Cradle of the Vikings. Ships dock right next to Gamle Stavanger, the old quarter, with its collection of 200-year old white wooden houses (considered national heritage monuments in their own right), 12th century cathedral modelled on Winchester Cathedral, markets, craft stores and art galleries.
Look out, too, for the Three Swords monument in the Hafrsfjord rock recalling the Viking sea battle won by King Harald the Fairhair to create Norway as one kingdom back in the 9th century. This is on the way to a recreation of an Iron Age Farm at Jernaldergarden.

Tromso
Know as the “Paris of the North” for round-the-clock nightlife inspired by the light of the midnight sun, the actual population of Tromsoe is scattered between islands and mainland. Be certain not to miss the spectacular Arctic Church, its eastern wall made entirely of stained glass.

Trondheim
Once Norway’s first capital, Trondheim still commands pride of place as the country’s third largest city and a lively university town with a wealth of historical riches that include Scandinavia’s largest medieval building, the Norwegian Crown Jewels, stave churches and 18th Century wooden houses lining cobblestone streets.